“I know the church is trying to do their best to discern the wisest ways to use funds,” said Zenz, a Lakeshore Baptist Church member for the past 14 years. “More than anything, they want to be right in the palm of God's will. I know a lot of prayer and tears and conversation went into the decision-making. I think everyone involved is saddened by it.”

Zenz said the closing will be a difficult change for many.

“There are a lot of people whose worlds are going to be very significantly changed by this turn of events,” Zenz said. “Kids are going to be separated from friends, teachers are going to have to be finding different work. It will create a different atmosphere within the church itself. I'm sad for everyone.”

Grand Haven Christian School Principal Rick Geertsma said he empathizes with the Baptist church and academy.

“I'm sure that was a very difficult decision," he said. "They had a pretty long history there.”